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New Study Finds Direct Tire-Pressure Sensors Can Help Track Vehicle Patterns

Researchers found that direct tire-pressure sensors can transmit persistent identifiers that help receivers recognize signals and infer vehicle patterns. The study shows a privacy risk, not GPS tracking or equal trackability across all cars.
Entry773 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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A common safety feature—direct tire-pressure monitoring—can create a privacy risk. Researchers report that its wireless sensors can transmit in clear text with identifiers that persist over time, allowing receivers to recognize signals again and infer vehicle presence and recurring patterns. The system does not send GPS coordinates, and the study does not show that every car can be tracked equally well.

Which car feature is involved?

The feature is direct tire-pressure monitoring, or direct TPMS. Its sensors, fitted in or attached to the wheels, measure tire pressure and send wireless messages to the vehicle. The system is designed to help drivers monitor pressure—not to locate a car.

The study’s privacy finding concerns direct TPMS broadcasts. Indirect TPMS works differently: it estimates pressure loss using wheel-speed information rather than wireless pressure sensors in the tires. That distinction matters because the tracking risk described by the researchers depends on signals transmitted by direct sensors. IMDEA Networks Institute

How can a tire sensor help identify a car?

The researchers report that direct TPMS messages are sent in clear text and include a unique sensor identifier that may remain unchanged for long periods. A receiver can capture that identifier and pressure-related data, then recognize the identifier again in a later transmission. Matching signals from multiple tires can help associate sensors with one vehicle.

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#1 Best Overall
CDWTPS TPMS Sensors,GM 315Mhz Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor
  • PREFECT REPLACEMENT:The tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) is 100% Brand new Compatible with most GM branded vehicles manufactured after 2006.including GMC Chevy Buick Cadillac
  • LONG LIFE:Battery is made to last up to 10 years of normal use,and can withstand 125 degrees high temperature
  • NO SENSOR PROGRAMMING REQUIRED :The tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) come pre-programmed specifically for your make/model/year of vehicle,just need activate them with scan tool
  • EXCELLENT QUALITY:CDWTPS use best parts and same process as OE to ensure the TPMS's reliability,durabilitiy and safety.

Repeated observations—especially when gathered at more than one receiver location—can support inferences about a vehicle’s presence and recurring driving patterns. This is a recognition and inference risk, not GPS tracking: the tire sensors do not transmit exact coordinates. The paper’s abstract says the signals could reveal “the presence, type, weight, or driving pattern of the driver.” IEEE WONS 2026 conference record

What did the study demonstrate?

In “Can’t Hide Your Stride: Inferring Car Movement Patterns from Passive TPMS Measurements,” published in the IEEE WONS 2026 conference record, the authors describe a passive measurement study using five receivers deployed for up to ten weeks. They collected more than six million tire-sensor messages from more than 20,000 observed vehicles. The detailed verified-car dataset, however, comprised 12 cars—not 20,000 individually verified movement profiles.

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CARORAV TPMS Sensor GM, 4-Pack Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor
  • 【FITMENT】The CARORAV tire pressure sensor fit for most GM vehicles. For Buick Allure Enclave Encore Envision Lucerne Regal, Cadillac ATS CTS XTS, Chevy Colorado Silverado Impala Malibu, GMC Yukon Sierra ect. Please refer to Product Description for specific application of model and year
  • 【REPLACE PART NUMBER】The CARORAV tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) has been pre-programmed and tested to ensure trouble-free installation and performance. OE part numbers: 13598771, 13598772, 13586335, 13581558, 13589597, 15268606, 15825475, 13581559, 20923680, 20925924, 20964159, 22854866, 12768826, 20922900, 20964159, 22959744, 25920615, 15921013, 20923680, 25799331, 23445327, 22853741, 15254101, 15920615, 15123145, 25952370, 15922396
  • [PRE-PROGRAMMED]: PRE-PROGRAMMED DO NOT mean the sensor will automatically match your vehicle, it need to require a re-learning/reset operation. And some re-learning/reset procedures may require a professional diagnostic scanner or activation tool
  • 【EXCELLENT QUALITY】The TPMS sensor with high level of tire monitor accuracy can monitor the tire condition in real time. The battery can be used normally for more than 5 years, and can withstand operating temperatures from -40°c to +125°c
  • 【NO PROGRAMMING】The CARORAV tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) have been pre-programmed specifically, just use the scan tool to activate

The paper also reports receiving signals at distances greater than 50 meters. In selected tests, messages were decoded at three of four non-line-of-sight locations, and the researchers captured messages from a moving vehicle during a controlled route test. These are results under the study’s conditions, not a guarantee of a particular range or tracking success in every setting. The authors estimated that their research receivers could cost as little as $100 each; that is an estimate for their research setup, not a consumer recommendation.

What the findings do—and do not—mean

  • Established by the study: The researchers demonstrated that passive receivers could collect direct TPMS signals and use persistent identifiers to analyze vehicle presence and patterns in their deployment.
  • Not established: The signals do not provide exact GPS coordinates, and the study does not show that all sensor designs transmit identical data or that every vehicle is equally easy to recognize.
  • Scope: The paper focuses on passive monitoring. Its discussion of possible active misuse scenarios should not be mistaken for attacks demonstrated in this study.

IMDEA Networks Institute said when announcing the paper in February 2026 that then-current vehicle cybersecurity regulations did not specifically address TPMS security. That is the institute’s statement about the regulatory context at publication, not a definitive account of rules in force today; current requirements depend on jurisdiction and should be checked against current law. IMDEA Networks Institute

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Rank #3
Masoll TPMS Sensor for GM Chevy Silverado Buick Cadillac GMC, 4-Pack
  • 【Fits for GM】Masoll TPMS sensor compatible for most GM vehicles after 2006, including but not limited to Chevy Silverado Colorado Impala Tahoe, GMC Yukon Sierra Terrain, Buick Allure Enclave Encore Envision, Cadillac ATS CTS XTS etc. Please refer to the applicable model to check if the tire sensor fits for your vehicle model and year
  • 【Pre-programmed but Re-learn Required】The Masoll Tire Pressure Monitoring System comes with 4 preprogrammed tire sensors, after sensors installed, the user still need to relearn the TPMS sensors with car ECU by using TPMS scan tool or tpms relearn tool for GM. Simply operate to make the vehicle into TPMS relearn mode and activate the sensors in sequence, then tire sensors will be synced to the vehicle
  • 【Dual Antenna Design and High-Performance Battery】Masoll Tire Pressure Sensor innovatively adopt dual antenna design, no matter the vehicle is full-size SUV or Pick-up truck like Silverado, a strong signal will ensure every journey on safety. With built-in automotive grade CR2050 battery, the tps sensor works perfect under -40 to 257°F and can be last for more than 5 years
  • 【High Accuracy and Corrosion protection】Masoll TPMS sensor equipped with a high-precision chip which provides 1.5psi pressure accuracy, besides, the TPMS sensors are using rubber valves from top manufacturer which designed with corrosion protection and best-in-class seamless molding. Sensors are 100% tested before leaving the factory, 24 Months Warranty provided for all system parts
  • 【Dual Frequency 2-in-1】 Combines 315MHz and 433MHz into one OEM-level TPMS sensor to eliminate frequency guesswork. It is the ultimate tire pressure monitoring system solution to clear dashboard warning lights, offering flawless compatibility for GM, Chevy, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can drivers prevent TPMS tracking?

The researchers call for manufacturers and policymakers to improve the security and privacy of future systems. The sources reviewed do not establish a consumer product that prevents passive collection of TPMS signals, so there is no evidence-based replacement, add-on, or setting to recommend as a fix. The study’s receivers and decoding tools were research equipment, not driver countermeasures.

For now, the practical takeaway is about system design and awareness: direct TPMS is a safety feature whose broadcasts may carry persistent identifiers, creating a potential privacy exposure when signals are collected over time. The study does not provide a way for drivers to determine whether their particular vehicle’s sensors are being observed.

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GUTA GS02 Replacement TPMS Sensor, 433.92 MHz, 1-Pack
  • 🚗 Sensor Compatibility - The sensor has 433.92 MHz working frequency and 0-188 PSI pressure range. It will ONLY match to GUTA Wireless TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System, including GT20, GT30, GT40,GT50,GT60, and GT80. Note: the sensor need to be programmed to the monitor before installation.
  • 🚌 All Weather Suitable - Working temperature matters; it can stand for -40°C ~ 80°C at work and -40°C ~ 85°C in storage. The sensor works well in any weather conditions. That's why GUTA sensor can be your driving safety guard any condition.
  • 🚙 Excellent Quality - The TPMS sensor includes high performance Cr2032 battery and original import chip. Battery can withstand 120 degrees high temperature. Sensor can send tire pressure to the on-board computer, to ensuring the safety of the vehicle.
  • 🚕 Ultra Portable - GUTA sensor weighs 18g, which won't be any burden for the wheel. It perfectly matched with the wheels once install; you will get a fairly reliable sensor to monitor tire pressure. Friendly Reminder: To ensure reliable performance and safety, we recommend installing the cap sensors on metal valve stems; rubber valve stems not recommended
  • 🚚 Worry Free Purchase - To ensure the accuracy and sensitivity, GUTA sensor was processed as same as OE. The sensor enjoys a 2-year warranty. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is any problem. Your 100% satisfaction is our backup.
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Tymate TM7 RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System, TPMS Set of 4 Sensors
  • [Accurate Real-time Monitoring & Multi-Alert System]: Tymate TM7 tpms sensor can be used to monitor your tires’ pressure and temperature data within robust accuracy of ±1.5 PSI or ±3°F (The units can be displayed as ℃ or ℉ & BAR or PSI). Designed with six distinct alarm modes: high/low pressure, fast leakage, high temperature, sensor low battery, and sensor signal lost. This system is a reliable tool for maintaining tire health, and it is especially beneficial for DIY enthusiasts and pre-owned vehicle markets, where constant vigilance on tire conditions is paramount for safety and vehicle longevity
  • [Easy Plug-in Power & Dual USB Charging]: Tymate TM7 tpms sensors set of 4 effortlessly powers up by plugging directly into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, eliminating the need for complex wiring or professional installation. Ideal for older vehicles lacking factory-installed TPMS, providing a quick and efficient safety upgrade for drivers. Also, This innovative tire pressure monitor not only ensures your safety on the road but also features two USB outlets, allowing you to charge mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. A perfect solution for commercial vehicle operators and budget-conscious drivers seeking added functionality without sacrificing vehicle space or convenience
  • [Color LCD with Adjustable Backlight]: This device provides clear, easy-to-read tire pressure and temperature data in any light condition, thanks to the vibrant color LCD screen with adjustable backlight. This feature caters to all drivers, particularly those who commute daily or embark on long trips, ensuring visibility and readability at all times
  • [Wide Pressure Range Detection & Long Signal Transmission]: Tymate's TM7 TPMS accurately detects tire pressures from 0 to 144 PSI, offering versatility for a variety of vehicles such as sedan car, suv, mpv, pickup truck, rv, and travel trailer (The system automatically calibrates to the center tire pressure, using sensor installation pairing for reference values). This tire pressure monitoring system boasts a robust transmission range, and it ensures consistent, reliable connection between sensors and monitor. Note: We highly suggest to utilize this system with Tymate repeater for towing longer trailer(total length≥36ft), after pairing with repeater the monitor will display "RV" mode
  • [Easy to Use & Professional After-sale Service]: This Tymate TM7 TPMS is easy to setup in 5 minutes. The package box comes with comprehensive user’s manual and there are guide video available from the product page for you to follow steps by steps in the sensor pairing process. The sensors' battery replacing guide video is also available from listing, and the replacement sensor battery is CR1632 coin battery (4 coin batteries are included in the original package). If you still have any questions about the product, please contact us for further assists

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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